just a young woman finding her place in this world.

it is well with my soul

even when life doesn’t go your way, embrace it. try to let negativity slide off you like raindrops rolling off rose petals. don’t let anything faze you and do what you need to to stay happy or to start being happy. we all go through ups and downs. if you’re having a particularly rough time right now, just understand that some people experience lower lows than others and higher highs than others. that’s just how the hands are dealt. let me tell you though, the smaller amount of time you spend in denial, the better, because you can then dive into healing and recovery more quickly. process your troubles or hardships and get back on your feet. dust off your shoulders and keep going. the more you stew, the worse your problem will get. also, keep in mind that the sadder you are, the more you can appreciate the good times. and yeah i would say that people who experience lower lows are capable of experiencing higher highs. it’s a curse and a blessing, isn’t it?

it’s hard to reach social equilibrium, and frankly, i don’t think you want to. you want to be in a constant state of learning and development. you want to take risks and surprise yourself. challenge yourself to not just exist but to truly live (might be cliche, but it definitely has truth behind it). have a bucket list? start checking it off. have a prayer request? start praying about it right now. have feelings for a special someone? go for it. it’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. no matter what your current goal in life is, at the end of the day, let whatever happens be well with your soul. don’t let life control you, you start controlling your life (yes, that is a command, because you are capable of doing so). start taking an active role in either your recovery or your pursuit of happiness. it’s never too late to work on your mental state. better now than later, and of course, better late than never.

i was really encouraged yesterday not only cuz it was my favorite day of the week (wednesday), but also because one of my friends who has been afflicted with depression for the longest time started making visible progress. i don’t know how to explain it. i saw the beam in his eyes, and we shared a knowing glance. and in an instant, i knew: he gets it!!! i don’t wanna take credit for his recovery or anythinggg, but i’ve definitely been a constant part of his life for a while now. i was really happy and encouraged. this is the first time i’ve witnessed someone recover. though he is still very fresh and new, i’m thrilled. once you get it, you get it. he’s about the age of my parents and is a good pal of mine. it’s really interesting watching him people-watch and learn. it’s almost like he was reborn as a baby soaking in the world for the first time. i’m relieved, because it gets tiring caring for people without many people in the same boat you’re in, and without much fruit of your labor. i was so happy, but at the same time, i couldn’t show it, cuz i know there’s still a lot for him to understand. i’m not trying to sound like an expert or professional, but i know there was certainly a significant amount of time in between my big moment of realization and where i stand today. but still! this is someone who was married to a narcissistic woman for like 40+ years and had 3 kids with her, but he’s starting to see the light now. and i’m so relieved certain tactics work. i’m not taking credit for his struggle out of depression, but i certainly know how to point him in the right direction from here on out. he has officially joined the club, and we are happy to have him. thank you, God. this is certainly well with my soul. let’s soldier on together!